Upstream

This is a free preview of the episode "Disabled Ecologies w/ Sunaura Taylor." You can listen to the full episode by subscribing to our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/upstreampodcast As a Patreon subscriber you'll get access to at least one bonus episode a month (usually two or three), our entire back catalog of Patreon episodes, early access to certain episodes, and other benefits like stickers and bumper stickers—depending on which tier you subscribe to. You’ll also be helping to keep Upstream sustainable and allowing us to keep this project going. Find out more at Patreon.com/upstreampodcast or at upstreampodcast.org/support. Thank you. Disability is a state, or an idea, or a process even that is often associated with human beings—somebody becomes “disabled” or is experiencing “disability.” We don’t typically attach this state of being or this process to things other than human beings, much less to, say, geological formations. When is the last time you heard somebody refer to a contaminated body of water as “being disabled?” But utilizing the language and framing of disability when thinking about the impacts of capitalism and imperialism on our bodies and our biosphere is not just a useful exercise—it’s a profound and crucial analysis.  The story that we tell in this episode is one of disabled ecologies and has its origins deep beneath the ground in Tucson, Arizona—but it stretches all across the globe, from Gaza to Yemen to Korea—from the cells in our bodies to the water that lives in aquifers many feet below the ground. And really, the story doesn’t actually originate in Arizona—it begins somewhere in Europe sometime between the 12th to 16th centuries, during the dawn of capitalism. But that’s a different story for a different time.  To tell the story and concept of disabled ecologies—a story of the web of interconnection between humans and the more-than-human world—we’ve brought on Sunaura Taylor. Sunaura is an Assistant Professor at UC Berkeley in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, a critical disability scholar and activist, an artist, and the author of two books: Beasts of Burden: Animal and Disability Liberation, published by The New Press, and, most recently, Disabled Ecologies: Lessons from a Wounded Desert, published by University of California Press.   In this episode we tell the story of Tucson, Arizona’s aquifer and how it came to be contaminated by the US military. We trace the contours of death and destruction from the water beneath Tucson’s Southside neighborhood to the bodies living above it, from the chemicals that disabled ecosystems in Arizona and to the bombs drenched in those chemicals that were dropped on people across the Global South. We explore disability politics, environmental racism, classism, and the importance of organizing. And we celebrate the wins and the successes—not yet complete—of those in Tucson, Arizona who are taking on the capitalist state machinery to fight for justice and personal, community, and ecological healing. Further resources: Disabled Ecologies: Lessons from a Wounded Desert Nature is Disappearing: The Average Size of Wildlife Populations has Fallen by a Staggering 73% Related episodes: Breaking the Chains of Empire w/ Abby Martin (Live Show) Health Communism with Beatrice Adler-Bolton Terra Viva with Vandana Shiva Cover art: Sunaura Taylor Upstream is a labor of love — we couldn't keep this project going without the generosity of our listeners and fans. Subscribe to our Patreon at patreon.com/upstreampodcast or please consider chipping in a one-time or recurring donation at www.upstreampodcast.org/support If your organization wants to sponsor one of our upcoming documentaries, we have a number of sponsorship packages available. Find out more at  upstreampodcast.org/sponsorship For more from Upstream, visit www.upstreampodcast.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky. You can also subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Vijay Prashad, a prominent journalist and political commentator, takes us on a compelling journey through the Democratic Republic of the Congo's paradox of poverty amid resource wealth. He uncovers the detrimental legacy of colonialism and U.S. imperialism, linking it to ongoing exploitation by multinational corporations. The discussion dives into the historical struggles for sovereignty, the geopolitical tussle between the U.S. and China, and the resilience of grassroots movements advocating for social justice and change in the face of adversity.

Gabriel Rockhill, a philosopher and cultural critic, delves into the intriguing critiques of Western Marxism from Domenico Losurdo's work. They explore the ideological schism between Western and Eastern Marxism, emphasizing the practical versus theoretical approaches in their evolution. Rockhill emphasizes the influence of anti-communist sentiments and the need for redefining anti-imperialism in leftist movements. The discussion highlights how a re-examination of Marxism can reshape contemporary discourse and invigorate political practice.

In this discussion, Matteo Capasso, a Marie Curie Fellow at the University of Venice, analyzes the Al-Aqsa Flood operation and its implications for U.S. imperialism. He dives into the historical context of Palestinian resistance, emphasizing the narratives surrounding Hamas and Hezbollah. The conversation highlights the intricate ties between U.S. support for Israel and global anti-imperialist movements. Capasso argues for solidarity with the Global South, stressing the need for critical engagement with the complexities of the Palestinian struggle and the broader fight against oppression.

Adam Hanieh, a Palestinian professor at the University of Exeter and author, delves into the intricate ties between oil, monopoly capitalism, and imperialism. He reveals how oil not only fuels economies but also drives U.S. imperialism globally. The discussion spans historical shifts from coal to oil, the ecological devastation caused by fossil fuels, and the impact of geopolitical maneuvers in the Middle East. Hanieh critiques misleading climate policies supported by the oil industry and stresses the urgent need for systemic change that intertwines ecological justice with social movements.

Nairuti Shastry, a racial and economic justice researcher, and Zac Chapman, Resource Mobilization Director at the New Economy Coalition, dive into the challenges of funding revolutionary movements. They discuss the contradictions in philanthropic practices and emphasize the need for funding alternatives that truly support anti-capitalist efforts. The conversation also touches on community-led initiatives that promote economic transformation and solidarity, envisioning a future where governance and economic structures are radically reimagined.

Eric Wycoff Rogers, a community organizer and author of the Critical Hedonist Manifesto, joins Zarinah Agnew, a neuroscientist and guerrilla scientist, to delve into the politics of pleasure. They discuss how capitalism manipulates desire, promoting unsustainable consumption. Both guests advocate for critical hedonism as a transformative approach to pleasure that fosters community collaboration. They challenge current economic values and encourage a reimagining of pleasure to enhance well-being, social ties, and collective joy.

Max Geller is a passionate advocate for Palestinian rights and social justice, while Sanyika is an activist and current law student with deep roots in organizational efforts. They discuss the diverse forms of resistance for Palestinian liberation seen across the U.S. and the UK. Highlights include street actions at UCLA and the urgency of community defense against violent repressions. The conversation weaves through themes of intersectionality in activism, drawing parallels between racial justice movements and Palestinian solidarity while emphasizing the critical role of direct action.

In a riveting discussion, investigative journalist Abby Martin highlights the pervasive impact of U.S. imperialism on global issues, from climate change to social justice. She sheds light on her upcoming documentary, 'Earth's Greatest Enemy,' revealing the military's major role in climate degradation. Abby shares her experiences in Jerusalem and challenges media narratives around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conversation wraps up with a call for grassroots activism against the backdrop of the military-industrial complex's environmental consequences.

Adam Hanieh, an expert on oil and capitalism, delves into the intricate relationship between oil, monopoly capitalism, and imperialism. He discusses how oil influences global geopolitics, especially in the Middle East, highlighting its role in resource extraction and environmental challenges. Hanieh emphasizes the connection between oil wealth and societal structures, revealing the complexities beyond simple narratives. He also explores the historical transition from coal to oil and its significance in shaping modern energy consumption and capitalist growth.